Eligibility checklist passes first hurdle

Proposed laws to ensure political hopefuls complete a checklist proving their constitutional eligibility to sit in federal parliament are a step closer after passing the lower house.

Ahead of the federal election, candidates will have to publicly provide a checklist outlining advice on how they meet the legal requirements to sit in parliament.

"The reforms in this bill are important and are necessary to support the integrity of Australia's electoral system. Modernising and improving electoral processes will benefit the Australian public," Special Minister of State Alex Hawke told the lower house on Tuesday.